When my mind becomes quiet, the whole of my life will have an upgrade. We spend a lot of time every day trying to communicate and assuming that our message is being understood. In fact, most people are actually listening to themselves, to the inner dialogue that is going on while someone is speaking to us; ‘Am I being respected?’, ‘What does this person think of me?’ ‘What shall I say as soon as I get the chance to speak?’
This is why there is so much miscommunication, misunderstanding, confusion, chaos and conflict. It happens in the office, in organisations and in the home. We all try to be ‘efficient’ that is, doing things right. In fact, we need to be ‘effective’, which means doing the right things, which is the result of a steady and calm mind, acquired from deep understanding. A quiet mind can understand what is being said and can clearly see priorities; what needs to be done or said, and what does need to be done or said that can wait for later or a more appropriate time. This is one of the attributes of a good leader.
We have been brought up in a competitive and aggressive world where we all try to control others for our own agenda. However, the more we control the less influence is actually exerted. People put up defences when they are being controlled. Those who influence make people feel safe and open and then they offer all the help they can. Those who reach the top through control and aggression and by hurting others are never secure. They know deep down that they are not liked, and they live with underlying fear.
Those who are the greatest among us carry a natural influence, and demonstrate by their behaviour what needs to be done and how it should be done. These are leaders who serve and uplift others, and they actually achieve the greatest of all achievements, they win the hearts and minds of others; that is real power.
In times of upheaval people often say, ‘Don’t just sit there, do something!’ It is much better to say, ‘Don’t just do something, please first sit there, and make your mind quiet; be at peace and whatever you do then, will be meaningful and effective.’
Quiet minds become quiet by spending time in introversion and meditation. A little time spent in this, each and every day, brings a mind that is full of quiet, clarity and power.
Yogesh Sharda is the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris’ services in Turkey.